The Interventional Capacity of Community Health Volunteers for Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. This study evaluated barriers and challenges to effective screening and linkages of NCDs in Nyeri County. Methodology: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent preand post-test design was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, and qualitative data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via N-Vivo 12 and findings were presented in textual descriptions and thematic analysis that included direct quotes from participants, descriptions of observed behaviors, and interpretations of patterns and themes. Findings: The study shows that 59.3% of respondents have minimal information, and 92.7 % (n =139) have no clear understanding of NCDs, with a pre-intervention capacity of 48.8%. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in capacity from a pre-intervention average of 48.75 (SD±5.7) %, which increased to 68.28 (SD±7.6) %, p<0.001.